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alex maxwell :::
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ignatian le ader s schol ar
“I have friends in Africa. Who would have thought?” he said. Maxwell traveled to Benin in summer 2007 along with students from several disciplines including engineering, nursing and ESL, or teaching English as a second language. Maxwell helped with the Gonzaga water-fi ltration project that gives villagers access to safe local drinking water. His experience in Benin was life-changing. “I really learned a lot while I was there about how health and environment in a community affect each other. How beautiful it was! You should have seen it. And how amazing to be part of it.”
ign atian le ader s schol ar
Civil engineering student Alex Maxwell is amazed at a lot of things in his life. He’s amazed at the level of support he receives from his professors at Gonzaga. He’s amazed at the loveliness of the Pacific Northwest – a natural enough reaction for a young man from Kennebunkport, Maine. As he entered his senior year, Maxwell was thankful for the fi nancial support he has received, which made possible his studies at Gonzaga. “My scholarships and fi nancial aid have allowed me to grow into a well-educated, well-rounded person, and to fi nd my passion and prepare for my life after Gonzaga,” Maxwell said. “Never would I have imagined, only a few years ago, that I would soon be on my way to graduating from a civil engineering program.” He’s also amazed at the opportunities he’s gained outside the classroom.
This past summer he flew to Zambia where he laid groundwork for future students to expand the water-fi ltration program. He brought home memories and stories to last a lifetime. Hydrology will play an ongoing role in Maxwell’s life. He’s seeking a graduate school where he can combine interests in environmental engineering and health. Beyond graduate school, he wants to work and live in a vibrant community, where his skills help to ensure a healthy environment. “I want to be the person to relate engineering to health. I just think that’s so important,” Maxwell said. Finally, he makes a point of thanking those whose generosity literally changed his life. “I am ever thankful for the fi nancial support I have received. I have grown so much through my experiences at Gonzaga.”
Hydrology environmental engineering and health
reflec tions on blessings
“I cannot thank you enough. You have given me a chance to make my dreams come true.”
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